When I first started playing in the 60’s and 70’s, I practiced about 2 to 4 hours a day, on my own.

And with a band, I practiced 3 to 4 times a week.

So this year it’s going to be once a day… every day!

How about you?

On October 5 my Chapman stick arrived. I have to admit that although I have played Bass for over 30 years, I am a bit nervous at how easily I will be able to pick this up.

My musical journey on this instrument is exciting and mysterious. How will this instrument in my hands respond to my ideas?

Bernie on the Chapman Stick

When I took it out of its case I knew exactly how to put it on because I had been studying the stick online seriously for over 4 months.

Now because I know and understand music (I can read music and have composed music for television and for myself over the years) I am not starting from zero. Also having played bass and guitar for so many years, I am comfortable with fingers touching strings.

When I got acquainted with the instrument over the first few hours there were 2 challenges:

1) The different tuning. The bass especially because it is tuned in 5ths and the strings ascend in reverse.

2) The newness of hand taping with the right hand

I did manage to work out the bass riff for “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder and “I’m a Man”, Steve Winwood. It does sound cool. However, it starts to sound interesting when I put the chords over it.